Overcoming Anxiety and PTSD

3 months ago, I experienced a traumatic event.

As a result of this event, I started experiencing involuntary reactions that I could not seem to control. For example, when I passed the area where the traumatic event took place, my heart would race, my body shook, I felt like throwing up and I cried. It happened naturally, uncontrollably. I could not articulate my feelings, and talking about the event made me upset. I felt frustrated that I couldn’t control these reactions, and very lost. I yearned for guidance that could help me make sense of what was going on, and more importantly, a plan and solution that could help me get through this.

Based on my background in Psychology and recent work experience, I knew I had PTSD (or post traumatic stress disorder). Although I knew this was a normal reaction after experiencing trauma, I did not feel normal at all. I knew I needed to seek help quickly as I do not have any experience in dealing with PTSD, and neither did any of my close friends or family members. I did a quick Google search of PTSD in Singapore and came across many options. I called many places but none of them seemed friendly, specialised in trauma or a right fit for me. Finally, I found SCC. The prices seemed reasonable, and I read that some of the counsellors there have experience in overcoming trauma.

Before my first session, I was a nervous wreck. I did not enjoy talking about my experience, but I knew I would have to do so during the session. Throughout the day I felt like throwing up and I couldn’t stomach much food. It definitely took a lot of determination to make it to the centre. However, my first session turned out to be less difficult than I anticipated. I explained what I was going through, and thereafter, my counsellor gave me some assessments. Once he confirmed my diagnosis (PTSD, mild anxiety), he proceeded to explain why I was given this diagnosis, and he laid out a plan for my treatment. This brought me great relief and clarity, as I had a solid plan going forward, and a deeper understanding of why I was feeling the way I did.

The next few sessions weren’t any easier. But they did get better with time. Part of my treatment involved reliving the traumatic event to desensitise myself, which would eventually stop my body’s involuntary reactions. Scheduling something I really enjoy after each session helped me get through these sessions (e.g. wine night with my partner, a good yoga session).

Throughout these sessions, I became more self aware, and I learned a lot about myself. I’m proud to say that I’m now in recovery after a long journey and I feel lighter now. Even though I know that anxiety and flashbacks will occur in the future, I am better equipped now so I know how to deal with it.

If there’s one thing I have learned from this journey, it is that having an experienced person guide you and provide you with a well thought out plan provides you with assurance, and is essential in helping you deal with the unknown. Dealing with something unknown is not easy – feeling afraid, alone and guilty is normal. However, having someone in your corner to fight this battle is invaluable, and you will eventually emerge stronger, lighter and victorious.

– Client M, 2018

It definitely took a lot of determination to make it to the centre. However, my first session turned out to be less difficult than I anticipated.

Throughout these sessions, I became more self aware, and I learned a lot about myself. I’m proud to say that I’m now in recovery after a long journey and I feel lighter now. Even though I know that anxiety and flashbacks will occur in the future, I am better equipped now so I know how to deal with it.

Dealing with something unknown is not easy – feeling afraid, alone and guilty is normal. However, having someone in your corner to fight this battle is invaluable, and you will eventually emerge stronger, lighter and victorious.

Rather than tiding it over and leaving things to chance, we decided to seek professional help through marriage counseling.

https://scc.sg/e/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/pink-trees.jpg7451122charissachewhttps://scc.sg/e/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Singapore-Counselling-Centre-Logo_Counselling-Services_3-300x215-300x215.jpgcharissachew2019-09-10 10:01:132019-09-10 10:02:49[Testimonial] Working Together in Restoring a Marriage

He played an important role of a neutral party as he listened to our grievances and sorrows. I feel that a neutral party plays an important role in allowing us to share each other's viewpoints without getting into a heated dispute.

He has taught me so many things for the past one year like emotional intelligence, how to deal with social anxiety, how to not live in the past and how to think positively in life by doing it step by step.

Anxiety was a staple in my life once upon a time. I tried all sorts of self-coping techniques but they did not seem to work so I just wanted to give up. However, I told myself that I would give counselling a try before that and so I met Joseph.

Joseph gave in his 200% effort in helping us, and the effort went a long way in helping both of us work through our traumas, both separately and collectively. Working with Joseph really gave us the internal strength to continue on, and for us to even consider taking our relationship to the next step.

These sessions have always been my favourite part of the week. I'm not sure what I am going to do without you, you've been my best friend, my biggest supporter and saw something special in me. Thank you.

I walked into the room for my first session with Joseph as a unbalanced and volatile individual who had witnessed his wife cheating on him, and I walked out 6 months later as a composed and mentally enlightened individual.